Islamabad: The situation in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province once again looks tense. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that its fighters captured and later destroyed more than 14 posts of Pakistani army and security forces during the last three months. The organisation also claimed to have captured weapons and military equipment of the security forces during these operations. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed.
Claim of action in which areas?
According to BLA, its fighters carried out these actions in different parts of Balochistan. The organisation says that after capturing the posts, the security arrangements there were damaged. Video footage released by BLA has also been presented in support of these claims. In the video, his fighters are reportedly seen around Pakistani security posts.
In recent times, there have been continuous reports of increasing activities of BLA and other Baloch armed organisations in Balochistan. In the first week of September, BLA claimed 28 operations in different districts. The organisation had talked about causing harm to the security forces and seizing weapons. Pakistan has also given information about security operations in Balochistan.
What happened after capturing the posts?
The BLA claims that many of the checkpoints that its fighters took control of were later completely destroyed. According to the organisation, weapons and other military items of the security forces were also seized during the operation. However, BLA has not given clear information about the total number of weapons or military equipment it got into its hands.
The areas where the organisation has claimed action include strategically important roads and security locations in different districts. This indicates that BLA is trying to increase pressure on Pakistani security system through its activities.
What is visible in the video?
Many video footages have also been released by BLA along with these claims. In the footage, it is claimed that the organisation’s fighters are seen around security posts at some places. Some photographs and videos also showed the posts in damaged condition. BLA says that these are the same posts which its fighters had captured earlier.
However, the date, exact location of the video and the identity of the people seen in it have not been independently confirmed. Therefore, at present the claims of capturing the posts, destroying them and seizing weapons are being seen only as claims of BLA.
Why is tension increasing in Balochistan?
Balochistan has long been the center of conflict between the Pakistan government and Baloch separatist organisations. In recent times, there have been reports of activities by BLA as well as Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Republican Guards (BRG). These organisations have claimed to target security forces, military convoys and some economic projects.
Even in early September, BLA had claimed responsibility for several attacks, while the Pakistani Army had informed about the killing of terrorists in separate operations. Claims from both sides vary widely and independent verification of many incidents remains difficult.
Is the claim of 14 outposts true?
At present, its independent verification has not surfaced. On the basis of its video and statement, BLA has claimed that its fighters captured and destroyed more than 14 Pakistani posts. There is no independent confirmation or detailed response to this specific claim from Pakistan. In such a situation, it is important to view this claim with caution. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, more information regarding these incidents is likely to emerge in the coming days.
